REAR ACCESS WAY KNEBWORTH CLOSE TO GOODWAY ROAD GETS A CLEAN UP

Oscott's Environmental clean up is now well underway.
The latest in a long list of cleanups being carried out is the rear access way between Knebworth Close and Goodway Road. It certainly looks a lot better now.
This is part of the Oscott Clean up which is funded by the Oscott Community Chest on referral from Oscott Councillors
If you want to know more than contact me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk or
 Councillors Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield.

SPEED INDICATOR SIGN PROGRESS FOR KINGSTANDING ROAD AND KETTLEHOUSE ROAD.

 Kingstanding Road

At long last after a number of complaints made by Councillor Barbara Dring and myself we have now been informed that the Kingstanding Road speed indicator sign is to be installed. Highway Engineers has confirmed this long awaited and campaigned for sign will be installed during the week commencing June 11th. Betwwen Hawthorn Road and College Road.
There have been a number of accidents on this road and Community Speed Watch results have indicated this road needs a speed indicator sign. It is no magic solution but lets hope it helps reduce the problems of speeding on Kingstanding Road.

Kettlehouse Road / Bandywood Road

I have now also been informed that the technical issues which have meant the proposed relocation of the Speed indicator Sigh in Kettlehouse Road have been resolved and the speed indicator will be put in a more suitable location during the net month. Once again we have a road (Kettlehouse) where there have been a number of accidents caused by speeding and this measure should help reduce the problem.
There are also to be some additional carriage way markings.

OSCOTT BUS THEMED COUNCILLORS SURGERY

On Saturday 2nd June at 10.30am I will be holding a surgery ( at the 610 Community Centre) for Oscott residents with any concerns regarding buses running through the Oscott area. This may also include infrastructure such as bus stops and shelters.
This is an opportunity for Oscott residents to let me know of their issues and concerns on this subject in particular.
If you can not get there you can Email me on Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk.

Look out for more "themed Councillor Linnecor Surgeries"

CARRIAGE WAY WORKS ON DYAS ROAD TO OLD OSCOTT LANE ISLAND.

Last year work was carried out on the Dyas Road to Old Oscott Lane island carriage way which was totally inadequate which I had to complain about. Amey have now started the relaying of this carriage way (which I requested in the first place) however this will lead to some motorists being inconvenienced.
Amey have however decided to do this work in the evening to stop to much inconvenience to motorised. The work has now started so look out for diversions.

POLICE MEETING AT SAINT MATHEWS CHURCH MAY 28TH

28 May 2012
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Police/Community Meeting @

St Matthews Church Hall, Birdbrook Rd, Great Barr: Meeting for all local residents.

BIRKENSHAW ROAD RIGHT OF WAY CLEANED UP.

I have been impressed by the first of a number of environmental Cleans ups planed by and funded by the Oscott Ward Committee. The Birdbrook Road to Birkenshaw Road, Right of way has now received a clean up. Litter picking and pruning have all taken place in order to get this right of way sorted out. This is the first of a number of Jobs to be carried out by Jericho,

BARRIERS NEEDED FOR CHURCHDALE ROAD AND RANDWICK GROVE

Following a site meeting with Transportation Engineers they were forced to admit (again) that safety barrier's are needed on the entrances to the right of way (Churchdale Road to Winister Grove and at the entrance Randwick Grove to the Aldridge Road Recreation ground)
These measure would prevent motor bikes being driven at speed in these right of ways but still allow motorised scooters and push chairs access.
Simple solutions can be inexpensive. We now await the installing of these barriers.

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ASK TO AUDIT YOUR BOOKS

I was surprised (possibly) to be contacted by the Little Acorns residents Group who are an elderly residents social group based in the Oscott Ward. They have been unable to get their Account books back from the Council Housing department who have been auditing them.
As a result i have had to put in a petition to the Council requesting this books back.
I think the moral of the tale is to make sure you get an undertaking that your books will be returned quickly when you ask someone to audit them?
Stop press the Council are now to return the books this week.

6 WAYS TO CONTACT ME

I would just like to remind you how you can contact me if you have an issue or concern I can help you with.

1. Ring me  on 360 6486                (There is an answer Phone available but please listen to the message)
2. Ring me  on 303 2039                 (message service only) Please have your details ready
3. Most residents will have had one of my contact cards by now just return it by post to me.
4. Write to me                               C/O The Birmingham City Council Council House Birmingham    B11BR
5. E.Mail me                                  Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk
6. Visit it me at one of my Saturday Surgeries which I hold at 10.30 am most Saturday Mornings at the 610 Community Centre (you can confirm my attendance by ringing 464 2268 on the day.

I can not promise to resolve every issue I hear about  i am will to try and help if I can.

KINGSTANDING FUN DAY A SUCCESS

Helped out on the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve stall today at the Kingstanding Fund day.
I would like to thank all the FQNR volunteers who also helped out.
Despite the rain the Fun day was a success and well done to all those who helped arrange it or had a stall.
It was also nice to see other  Local Councillors, the Police  and Community representatives there.
There was also a good DJ and a special thanks should go to senior organiser Keith Airy.

EVERY BODY WANTS TO DIG UP OSCOTT SCHOOL LANE'S PAVEMENTS

I have asked Amey to communicate with various utility companies regarding their plans to resurface Oscott School Lane's Pavements.
Like many other roads in the area this road has waited 50 year to have major work done to its pavements and know the gas and other companies want to carry out work in the road as well.
I have made senior Amey officials aware of this clash and they are now in discussion's with various utility companies to see if their intended work can be compatible.
It is good news that Oscott School Lane's pavements are to be resurfaced but more thought needs to go into the matter.

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO INSTALL NEW STREET LIGHTS?

One of the question I am regularly asked by residents is "why do they not fill in the holes when they have put up a lamppost and why does it take so long.
The process of installing new lighting can be quite lengthy, and sometimes the excavations are left open after the new lighting columns are erected to enable the underground services to be connected by Amey's Service provider Western Power. Under Health and Safety barriers have to be erected and the positions change as work progresses, however they do try to maintain access at all times and when they do not I make complants to them on behalf of resident.
 Amey the Contractor responsible  do try to programme their works so that there is a minimal delay, between the lighting team leaving site and Western Power providing connections, but this is not always possible however there are some times problems and I find myself trying to chase them up to do the work as quickly as possible.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUPS AGM'S SAT MAY 26TH

 Oscott's new Councillor Tristan Chatfield meeting Community leaders recently.



The Oscott Elderly Residents Group,Oscott Residents Association and Oscott Disability Group are all holding their AGM,s on Saturday 26th May at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. 
The meetings will start at 10.30am.

My Colleagues Councillor Barbara Dring and Tristan Chatfield as well as the Police and myself have been invited.

OSCOTT WARD COMMITTEE 30TH MAY

The Oscott Ward Committee (where the 3 Oscott Councillors sit to make local decision's and listen to local residents) takes place on the 30th of May 7pm at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
The meeting will be chaired by Councillor Barbara Dring.
There will be an opportunity to find out which community Chest fund applications have been recommended for acceptance by the Oscott Ward Advisory Board. The 3 Oscott Councillor,s have to make the finale decision.
Also on the agenda will be items concerning Amey the company with the contract for the Highways across the City and issues relating to waste collection in the area.
Oscott residents are welcome to attend

KEEP QUAD BIKES OFF THE PAVEMENT AND OUT OF OUR PARKS

 It is that time of year when I receive a large number of complaints about Quad bikes and other motorised vehicles.

There are now more, quad Bikes, mini motors and go Peds being bought in the UK then ever. From my experience many parents and young people are unaware of the responsibilities of owning Such machines and the laws Surrounding them.
All motorcycles including quad bikes, monkey bikes, scooters and small machines that have a petrol engine and mini motors and go peds which are powered by an electric motor are classified as not suitable for use on roads or pavements.
This brings these bikes under the laws that make motorcycling safe for everyone. It does not matter how small the bike is, how slowly it travels or that it has been designed for children the law still applies.
 Quad bikes are not legal on public roads unless modified and driven by someone over 16, who is insured, according to the Health and Safety Executive check the internet for further details

I do not wish to be a kill joy but parents need to know  if you buy a motorbike or quad bike for your child, you are responsible for that young person and their actions. If a young person rides a bike on a road or on public land, they require insurance.
You may also be prosecuted for permitting your child to ride on a road or public place and this will affect your own car or bike insurance.
The Police like myself have received a number of complaints from residents in the Oscott area and are monitoring the situation
Those using these bikes and quads need to know the only places where off road vehicles can be lawfully ridden is on private land with the direct permission of the land owner or at an organised, supervised off road centre. (Bear in mind that you will probably need off road insurance!) It is also strongly suggested that children wear full protective clothing at all times and a helmet which fits correctly and is securely fastened.  

Quad bikes and so on should clearly not be used on the Queslett Nature Reserve or any other park or recreation ground.

For any further information on this subject please contact your local police station and insurance company.

 

BOOTHS LANE CAMERON HOMES DEVELOPEMENT UPDATE

I have been contacted by a number of residents concerned about the Booths Lane unadopted carriage way closure and other issues..
I have been in touch with the developer Cameron Homes who have informed me they hope the work to realign will take a matter of months and yes the road will re open to traffic.
They have also reassured me that did send out letters to local residents regarding the matter.
There will also be a diverted pedestrian foot way via Caddick Road.
Finally they have informed me as agreed they will be landscaping a wild life corridor between Caddick Road and the Queslett Nature Reserve and part of their plan and also upgrade the Old Booths Farm site itself.

SOME PRIVATE LANDLORDS LET THEIR TENANTS DOWN

As you may be aware I have been making representations to the Government (Through Khalid Mahmood MP) for some time. Sadly The Minister responsible believes the current voluntary scheme where land lords agree to certain standards is sufficient.
Sadly as can be seen in a number of locations in Oscott "some landlords" are in no way complying with any such schemes.
 There are cases where landlords are never seen and property is left to rot. Some tenant's have to put up with and cause, antisocial behaviour. Gardens and rear access ways belonging to a number of privately rented houses are in a very overgrown state.
I am still pressing the Government to do more for tenants, and their neighbours. The very least there should be is an easily accessible register of Private land lord details.

See also post May 20th 2011

USE THE 75 AND 76 BUSES THIS SUMMER

Having been using the 75 and 76 buses recently I was disturbed to notice not many other were doing the same.
I am often calling on residents especially the elderly in the Oscot area to use or lose these bus services.
With the summer on the way I hope people will begin to use these buses more often and don't give the bus companies a excuse to down grade or withdraw these services.

PDSA CHARITY SHOP HAWTHORN ROAD

Sadly the Oscott Ward Advisory Board were not in the position to recommend  funding for  the PDSA scanner appeal. However would like to remind residents that there is a PDSA Charity shop on Hawthorn Road and they would love you to buy their goods, or donate unneeded cloths, gifts and odds and ends. Or just to give them a donation.
I often pop in there and their volunteers do a wonderful  job.

The PDSA do a great job for the animals of those with financial difficulties and need our support to make the most of their veterinarian services.

DETAILS RE

Pdsa Pet Aid Hospital

Aston, Birmingham
 

Address:

1 Dulverton Rd, Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands B6 7EQ

Contact us:

01213 281716

Opening hours:

Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:00
Sat - Sun: closed

KINGSTANDING FUN DAY 19TH MAY

The Kingstanding Fun Day takes place Saturday 19th May at the Wheeldon Rec (opposite the Kingstanding Library.) It will run from 10.30am to 2.30 pm.
There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, Employment information, arts and crafts, stalls,the Police, a number of local groups including the Friends of the Queslett Nature Reserve, the Neighbourhood Police Initiative and the Oscott Elderly Residents Group.
The Oscott Ward Committee has given a grant towards the running of this event as many Ocott residents will have fun and find out useful information when they go along.

18TH MAY DEAD LINE FOR JUBILEE STREET PARTY APPLICATIONS

The 'Jubilee Big Lunch'
Birmingham will also be taking part in the national Big Lunch which will encourage people to come out with family and friends for the occasion. Anyone who would like to celebrate and commemorate the Queen’s 60 year reign can do so by holding their own 'Jubilee Big Lunch' street party in their own communities on Sunday 3 June.
If you are interested in arranging a street party for your 'Jubilee Big Lunch' event, then please see the documentation below for further information and contact your Local Constituency Office on 0121 303 6644 to discuss the potential requirements for a road closure. Public liability insurance will be needed to cover the duration of the event (minimum £2 million). An insurance broker will be able to advise on this.
The Emergency Services have requested that the following contact details be used below by the public when consulting emergency services on street parties.
Police
A_OPS_SUPPORT@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
Fire Service
haymills.fs@wmfs.net telephone number 0121 380 6860
Ambulance service
Keith.Nevitt@wmas.nhs.uk
The deadline for completed applications for a Street Party is 18th May 2012.

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS WELCOME COMMUNITY CHEST FUNDING

I was pleased to be able to pop in and see the Age Concern elderly group today. As usual they were busy enjoying themselves in their  meeting. However  welcomed the news that Age Concern will be receiving funding to help the elderly thanks to the Oscott Community Chest.

NESTING BIRDS AT RISK NEAR MOTOR WAY?

Many thanks to those who have contacted me with concerns about the tree cutting on the side of the m6 motor way next to Turnbury park.
This is being done as I understand it by the Highways Agency in order to open up the Motorway hard shoulder for peak time traffic.
Cutting down a tree with a bird nest in use is not allowed however it is allowed to cut down trees with no nesting birds in it. I have asked the Council Leisure Service department Tree section to look into what is happening and to remind the Highways department (if appropriate of their responsibilities.) they have agreed to investigate the matter.

BATTLING THE MENACE OF DOG MESS IN OSCOTT

 I am fully aware from my case work that "dog fouling" is one of the subjects that gets to Local residents.Sadly however it is often ignored as it is not exactly a "glamour subject".
With that in mind I am continuing the battle against dog fouling in Oscott.
I recognise many dog owner do their duty and bag and remove their dogs mess, my aim is to remind those who don't they should.!
Stray dogs can also be a problem and dog owners need to remember to keep their fences in good order and and that ALL dogs should have a collar and a identity tag when in a public place, according to the law.
If your dog is picked up by the warden service there is a £25 fee for the return of your dog.

OSCOTT LIBRARY'S HAVE NOW RECEIVED (or will shortly) a supply of " doggy bags" which are given free to dog owners and I have helped get a number of litter bins, which can be used for bagged dog mess, in and around the Oscott area.
I have also attached a number of dog fouling warning notices on lampposts in Oscott.
Finally I am continuing to encourage the Dog Warden Service to patrol the streets in Oscot to discourage dog owners from letting their dogs foul our streets.
If you know of a particular problem area let me know I I will ensure the Warden Service are aware of it.

MORE HELP FROM THE OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST

The Oscott Ward Advisory Board made up of Community Group Representatives, Local Organisations the Police and the 3 Oscott Councillors have recommended the Oscott Ward Committee grant the following funds to-

For Community Safety

The North Zone Neighbourhood Watch (mainly covering the south of Oscott) £400
The Neighbourhood Police Initiative £400
The Small works fund  To help the Police and others find small amounts of money for issues like gates and locks or crime prevention materials. £5,000

To help others

The Oscott Disabilities group £250
The Imagine Group based at St Mathews £750
Parents support Network for Autism £1,500
Elim Church Helping Hand bank. £1,000
Elim Church Oasis Luncheon Club £500
The Oscott Residents Association £250
The Bandywood Projects Community Fun day £1,000
The Hawthorn Road Traders Association to brighten up Christmas with lights up to £3,000 on a match funded basis.
Fire Service Fun day (South Oscott) including fire, road safety  and crime prevention £2,000
A Summer Play scheme project over the holiday period (subject to more information) £2,000 ?

For the Environment

The Friends of the Quslett Nature Reserve incorporating the Aldridge Road Recreation Ground,
to continue their work looking after not only the nature reserve but other areas in the Oscott Ward. £400

Jericho Environmental Green up project. To help clean up and improve the environment is Oscot, help deal with overgrown area,s remove fly tipped material's, graffiti and so on. They will also endeavour to use unemployed people and to try and assist unemployed Oscott residents where possible. £24,000

The above projects will now go before the Oscott Ward Committee (Councillor's Tristan Chatfield, Barbara Dring and myself for ratification in the next few weeks.

As Chair of the Oscott WAB I would like to thank all those who submitted an application and all those who helped make the recommendations to be passed to the ward Committee.


For further information please email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

COMMUNITY CHEST HELP FOR THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Ward Advisory Board ( Community representatives, Local organisations and Councillors) met lat night to start the Community Chest applications for funding process in motion.
Requests were well over subscribes and with reluctance a number of request had to be rejected, however is some cases referrals were made to other sources of funding.
Amongst those receiving recommendations for grants for funding from the Oscott Ward Committee *(Councillors Tristan Chatfield, Barbara Dring and myself)  for children, young people or the elderly are.

For young people and parents

The Treehurst Youth Club£2,000
The Beeches Cadet Marching Band  £2,500
The Maryvale Youth Group £2,000
The All Stars Play Group A play group in Oscott for young Children £1,000
The Perry Barr Constituency Sports and Phyical Acitivity Network (CSPAN) for distribution to Oscott sporting groups including youth clubs and teams) £19,000
 Elim Church Connect Group 18 to 30s £1,000
Homestart Kingstanding (Oscott) for work with young families and children under 5 £3.000
The Bandywood Project to help young families and offer youth activities in the area. £18,000

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group will with the help of the Oscott Community Chest be able to go on more visits like this one to the Coventry Transport Museam





For the Elderly
Age Concern Gardening project to help the elderly or disabled. £2,000
Age Concern Helping Handyman scheme £5,000
The Late Late Youth Club A Group of Pensioners who carry out activities at the 610 community Centre £250
Perry Barr Pensioners Convention A elderly group who meet in Oscott looking after the interests of the elderly. £400
The Oscott Elderly Residents Group £400

These projects will now go forward for ratification before the Oscott Ward Committee*  in a few weeks time for any further information please email me Keith.Linnecor@birmingham.gov.uk

OSCOTT COUNCILLOR SURGERY TIMES MAY CHANGE

The Oscott Councillors are retaining their current Councillor Surgery time table for the moment but some changes may be expected in a few weeks time I will keep you posted.

At the moment either Tristan Chatfield or I will operate a Councillors surgery on Saturday Mornings at the 610 Community Centre.10.30am
Councillor Barbara Dring is for the time being holding surgeries on the first  Thursday in the month 3pm Perrycommon Library and the First Wednesday in the month 7pm at the 610 Community Centre.

We will also continue to carry out home visits for those with a genuine mobilty issue.

AMEY MUST GET THEIR ACT TOGETHER

ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF NOT THINKING ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING








The Contractor responsible for putting in the new street lighting really need to get their act together.
Although much of the work they do is very good, I am still receiving complaints about their leaving barriers up for long periods after completing work and the way they locate some new street lights.
Darleydale Avenue and Ashworth Road are 2 examples.
I am chasing up with Amey a number of issues and If i can assist you if any way please let me know.

OLD OSCOTT HILL NEEDS ROAD SAFETY MEASURES

Old Oscott Hill continues to have problems with speeding traffic. A numer of residents have complained to me about this problem over the year and I am continueing to put pressure on the Transportation department to come up with solutions.
Given along this road there is 3 schools I believe the Transportation department should introdue a 20mph zone along part of this road and I am continueing  to put pressure on the Transportation department to consider this.
I am already encouraging the Police to keep  this road monitored for speeding traffic by using the Community Speed Watch initiative their but more needs to be done.

TRISTAN CHATFIELD OSCOTT'S NEW COUNCILOR

Tristan out and about dealing with residents concerns




Oscott residents have elected Tristan Chatfield as their new Councillor.
I am sure Tristan will work hard for residents and will do his best for them.
He has the advantage of having dealt with many residents concerns for a number of years before he became a Councillor.
Across the City Labour did well last night and have gained control of the Council. However there are no miracle cures and there will be tough times ahead due to governments cuts and the problems left behind by the previous council administration.

ELECTION DAY TODAY

Today is Local Election day in Birmingham. I hope everyone will vote.
 If you live in Oscott I hope you will vote for Labour's Tristan Chatfield.

However it is important to vote if you want to change things.
Although I can not wish all the candidates from every party taking part across Birmingham good luck they do have my respect for having a go and I hope they all enjoy their day safely regardless of the result.

Do not forget polling stations close at 10pm.